Hybrid vehicle use in N.J. Turnpike High Occupancy Vehicle lanes to take effect Monday

(Trenton)
New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) Commissioner Kris
Kolluri today announced that starting Monday, May 15, the State
of New Jersey will permit hybrid vehicles to use lanes designated
for High Occupancy Vehicles (HOV) on the New Jersey Turnpike.

“I encourage New Jersey motorists to take advantage of HOV
lanes by using hybrids and by carpooling,” said Governor
Corzine. “This policy, along with providing additional mass
transit options and expanding carpool programs, reflects my commitment
to addressing the burden of rising gas prices and encouraging
fuel conservation.”

Hybrid vehicles consistent with last year’s federal transportation
bill,
“Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity
Act: A Legacy for Users,” will be permitted to travel in
HOV lanes. HOV lanes are located on the New Jersey Turnpike north-
and south-bound between Interchange 11 in Woodbridge and Interchange
14 in Newark and operate on weekdays from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. northbound
and 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. southbound. New Jersey State Police will
continue to enforce the exclusive use of HOV lanes by hybrids,
alternative fuel vehicles and vehicles carrying three or more
occupants.

“Governor Corzine’s program to allow Hybrid vehicles
to travel in HOV lanes creates an additional incentive for motorists
to use alternative fuel
sources,” said Commissioner Kolluri. “This policy
not only encourages
fuel-efficiency but also promotes the expansion of new technologies
to
increase fuel conservation.”

Governor
Corzine has taken a variety of steps to provide relief from rising
fuel prices. In addition to permitting Hybrid use in HOV lanes,
he has
committed to expanding mass transit ridership, increased ridesharing
and
carpool benefits, announced the creation of the post of Director
of Energy Savings, ensured reliable delivery of fuel to gas stations,
proposed a 0.4% surcharge when purchasing vehicles that have an
EPA rating of less than 19 miles per gallon and stepped up gas
station monitoring to ensure that station owners and attendants
are adhering to consumer protection laws.

“The partnership between the State agencies that crafted
and implement this policy should serve as an example to motorists
statewide,” said DEP
Commissioner Lisa P. Jackson. “The public can conserve natural
resources and save money by carpooling and opting for fuel-efficient
vehicles.”

Just last week the New Jersey Turnpike Authority modified its
regulations to permit the use of its HOV lanes by hybrid vehicles,
according to Michael Lapolla, executive director of the New Jersey
Turnpike Authority.

“In the face of the rising gas costs we’re happy to
be able to assist
Governor Corzine in his efforts to provide relief to New Jersey’s
motorists,” Lapolla said.